if every class were filled with many smiling faces, all eager and ready to hear and do your bidding? Wouldn't it be nice if all students embraced the 'beginner mind', stepping back and allowing you (as their guide) to lead them to a new pose or view of a pose? Wouldn't it be nice if all students believed they can do an arm balance or a difficult balance posture or a backbend without discomfort?
That all comes with trust. Trust that I (as their guide) will keep them safe, will give them appropriate instructions/modifications, will keep them safe, will make it fun, will keep them safe, will take them to the threshhold and - if just for a moment - take them across. All while keeping them safe.
I started skiing at the age of 30. My son was 4, I'd recently divorced, and - as a single mother - I needed something to do with this active 4-year-old. HE LOVED SKIING. I did not. When you start anything at age 4, the fear level is significantly lower (if existant). At thirty, it's VERY high -- like, how am I going to work if I break a leg or arm, and feed this little guy? (End result: I learned to love skiing, but not without a lot of angst, worry, dread. Now, at age 59, it's fun.)
I think the same can apply to yoga and some of it's challenging poses.
So, my job is not just to teach students how to get into a pose (safely), but also to help them believe they can get into that pose. It's a fine line -- cross it too quickly and I may lose a student; take too long and they might get bored and go away.
Now, it's not only the group I'm teaching to, it's the individuals in that group. Because each individual student is different - different goals for their practice, different abilities, different body structure, different attitude.
I am loving the challenge; but, it is a challenge. It's not enough for me to stand or walk around the room spouting instructions. I must look at the whole group, then the individuals within the group, and teach to both. All while keeping everyone safe and feeling good.
Raining here -- more snow in the mountains, but I'm liking the rain -- I've shoveled enough this year.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
MONDAY NOTES ON TUESDAY
Well, the 'every day' blogging is now history -- I missed Monday (in case you didn't miss it). So, here it is Tuesday and I'll just pick up where I dropped off -- no berating myself, no feeling guilty, just get on with it!
I spent yesterday with my family -- husband, grandsons, son, & daughter-in-law. My 2 1/2 year old grandson, Jack, LOVES trains. He is an avid Thomas fan (has more engines that he knows what to do with). Has been unwavering in his love for the train table for over six months now.
So, we had a big lesson in diksha (threshhold) yesterday. Howard and I suggested that - since Howard needed to fly out of San Diego in the afternoon - we take Jack with us on the train from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego. Jack and I would then meet his Daddy (my son) and return to Carlsbad on the train.
We didn't tell Jack about this plan until early in the morning, because of the anticipation it would cause (not to mention the constant questioning "train?", "train?", "train?". My fear was that as the day progressed, he might decide that going on the train with Grandpa RJ and Baba was just too risky, too out of his comfort zone, and would refuse to go. Departure time from the house was 2:30 p.m.
At 2:15 p.m. I went downstairs, ready to pack up, and found Jack with his shirt and shoes/socks off, playing. Not a good sign, I thought. But, his Mother quickly got him dressed, packed his backpack, and we were ready to go. But, I wondered, would he really go? We had to drive 2 miles to the train station, so we loaded up Jack & suitcases, started the car, backed out of the driveway. Jessie (Mother) stood in the driveway, waving as we started to drive away.
Did he fuss? Did he start to scream "Mama, Mama"? Did he cry and refuse to calm down?
No, he smiled bravely at her and waved exuberantly. We were off. The train ride was great -- he noticed everything, he watched the beaches and sights as we rode south, ate snacks, and - when we arrived - he confidently walked (holding my hand) from the train to the cab to say goodbye to Grandpa RJ. We then went into the station to wait for his Daddy, for the return home.
Needless to say, he feel asleep as soon as we put him in his car seat back at the Carlsbad station -- I am sure there was a lot of emotional stress involved in this trip for him. But, what a trooper. And, what an example of how the loves of our life (for Jack, trains), will expand our view of life.
What a day! Worth missing a post.
I spent yesterday with my family -- husband, grandsons, son, & daughter-in-law. My 2 1/2 year old grandson, Jack, LOVES trains. He is an avid Thomas fan (has more engines that he knows what to do with). Has been unwavering in his love for the train table for over six months now.
So, we had a big lesson in diksha (threshhold) yesterday. Howard and I suggested that - since Howard needed to fly out of San Diego in the afternoon - we take Jack with us on the train from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego. Jack and I would then meet his Daddy (my son) and return to Carlsbad on the train.
We didn't tell Jack about this plan until early in the morning, because of the anticipation it would cause (not to mention the constant questioning "train?", "train?", "train?". My fear was that as the day progressed, he might decide that going on the train with Grandpa RJ and Baba was just too risky, too out of his comfort zone, and would refuse to go. Departure time from the house was 2:30 p.m.
At 2:15 p.m. I went downstairs, ready to pack up, and found Jack with his shirt and shoes/socks off, playing. Not a good sign, I thought. But, his Mother quickly got him dressed, packed his backpack, and we were ready to go. But, I wondered, would he really go? We had to drive 2 miles to the train station, so we loaded up Jack & suitcases, started the car, backed out of the driveway. Jessie (Mother) stood in the driveway, waving as we started to drive away.
Did he fuss? Did he start to scream "Mama, Mama"? Did he cry and refuse to calm down?
No, he smiled bravely at her and waved exuberantly. We were off. The train ride was great -- he noticed everything, he watched the beaches and sights as we rode south, ate snacks, and - when we arrived - he confidently walked (holding my hand) from the train to the cab to say goodbye to Grandpa RJ. We then went into the station to wait for his Daddy, for the return home.
Needless to say, he feel asleep as soon as we put him in his car seat back at the Carlsbad station -- I am sure there was a lot of emotional stress involved in this trip for him. But, what a trooper. And, what an example of how the loves of our life (for Jack, trains), will expand our view of life.
What a day! Worth missing a post.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
SUBBING
I subbed one of my studio classes this past week (I'm trying to teach amap - as much as possible - to improve/refine my teaching skills).
Students progressing is a great thing to watch. It's even more fun when you haven't seen someone for a while, teach the class they regularly attend, and see a truly heart-opening cobra or thighs parallel to the floor in vira II, etc. -- Wow! Why should I be surprised? They've been attending Jen's Anusara-Inspired class regularly and she's a good teacher, so this progress with our method and an effective instructor is to be expected. Good work, Jen.
In San Diego with Jack (in pic), Brady (his 6-month-old brother), and their parents, so this is short - too many fun distractions. Coloring Easter Eggs, playing with Thomas the Train, reading books, crawling on the floor -- all part of being 'Baba' (grandma).
Hope you have a good Easter Day,
Students progressing is a great thing to watch. It's even more fun when you haven't seen someone for a while, teach the class they regularly attend, and see a truly heart-opening cobra or thighs parallel to the floor in vira II, etc. -- Wow! Why should I be surprised? They've been attending Jen's Anusara-Inspired class regularly and she's a good teacher, so this progress with our method and an effective instructor is to be expected. Good work, Jen.
In San Diego with Jack (in pic), Brady (his 6-month-old brother), and their parents, so this is short - too many fun distractions. Coloring Easter Eggs, playing with Thomas the Train, reading books, crawling on the floor -- all part of being 'Baba' (grandma).
Hope you have a good Easter Day,
Saturday, April 11, 2009
IT'S ALL ABOUT WHO COMES TO CLASS
On Thursday, I teach at 9 am at the Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, here in Salt Lake City. I've been teaching this class regularly since January. Population is small: 3 regulars who vary in their level of hearing loss plus 1-2 hearing.
This past week, my regulars arrived (a side note, once they arrive all my signing skills leave me -- what's that about?). We started to set up, the door opens and in come 5 students new to me. All hearing and fluent in yoga.
Class started quietly, as it usually does, but - as I got into teaching - I found my hearing voice and began speaking. Then, I remembered -- what about the primary audience for this class? The ladies who have little or no hearing skills. Had I forgotten them? Luckily - as I'm sure they've learned over the years - they are resilient and observant. They were following along by observing their neighbors. Also luckily, I noticed my tendency to fall back on that hearing voice, and went back to trying to sign as I talked.
As I reflect on the signs I tried to use - plus those that I have learned in class these past few weeks. I wonder what they see me saying? Because some of the things I'm signing are "leslie-isms", as in 'made up as I go along'.
It was wonderful - tho, to watch the interaction between the deaf and the hearing (at least those who knew sign language) after class. I'm sure I learned something from that -- if only that states are fingerspelled according to their abbreviation.
Point of this post: In any class, I can't forget there is someone who may not have the skill of the others, who may be dealing with an injury, or - as in this case - cannot hear me. Everyone must get my attention and my teaching. I'll teach to the group, without forgetting that one student who might need a bit extra of my time/effort.
Enjoy your day,
This past week, my regulars arrived (a side note, once they arrive all my signing skills leave me -- what's that about?). We started to set up, the door opens and in come 5 students new to me. All hearing and fluent in yoga.
Class started quietly, as it usually does, but - as I got into teaching - I found my hearing voice and began speaking. Then, I remembered -- what about the primary audience for this class? The ladies who have little or no hearing skills. Had I forgotten them? Luckily - as I'm sure they've learned over the years - they are resilient and observant. They were following along by observing their neighbors. Also luckily, I noticed my tendency to fall back on that hearing voice, and went back to trying to sign as I talked.
As I reflect on the signs I tried to use - plus those that I have learned in class these past few weeks. I wonder what they see me saying? Because some of the things I'm signing are "leslie-isms", as in 'made up as I go along'.
It was wonderful - tho, to watch the interaction between the deaf and the hearing (at least those who knew sign language) after class. I'm sure I learned something from that -- if only that states are fingerspelled according to their abbreviation.
Point of this post: In any class, I can't forget there is someone who may not have the skill of the others, who may be dealing with an injury, or - as in this case - cannot hear me. Everyone must get my attention and my teaching. I'll teach to the group, without forgetting that one student who might need a bit extra of my time/effort.
Enjoy your day,
Friday, April 10, 2009
SOME DAYS
are harder than others to come up with ideas to write about in this blog. But, having made a commitment to myself, I'll start and just see where it goes -- hopefully, less of a diatribe than yesterday.
Just finished reading the "YogaNerd" blog. Good stuff -- a crick in her neck led her to (finally - her words) look at the whole picture and notice that her right side body was collapsing. So, the sequences are about lengthening, especially the QL and the psoas. Her crick (unresolved with neck and shoulder work) went away after this lengthening work. (http://www.yoganerd.blogspot.com/)
When we look at a student, it is important to remember Zhenja's experience -- that, for example, the sore shoulder may be related to something not actually in the shoulder. I had a young man come in to renew an ad, and - after we finished that business - he asked me a question about his shoulder. So, remove the suit coat, have him stand normally as I walked around him getting a good view of the TOTAL; ask some questions about activity, work, etc. In looking at him, I noticed his right shoulder was lower than his left. He didn't believe me, so we went to the mirrors (people criticize a yoga studio with mirrors - but they do come in handy at times). He could see the drop - proof positive.
Our tendency at this point is to instruct shoulder loop, and maybe not think about the affect the right side body is having on that shoulder's tendency to drop.
So, we did a bit of shoulder loop work -- especially, since his posture was starting to go 'south'. Then we talked about the side body, and even the legs - how keeping his feet parallel will seat the hips and allow for greater support of the side body lengthening as he stands. He is in great shape, but his work creates an environment where it's easy to slouch. Lucky for him, posture is an important factor in his mind -- so, I think he's still remembering our work.
If we've done a therapy training, we are so full of good and helpful knowledge that we sometimes try to fix the issue without studying the entire person and asking some questions first. One thing you will notice about John (or whoever you are studying with) in these trainings, is that once he hears a student's story of injury or pain, he asks more questions and he observes. Then, and only then, will he start to make suggestions/changes/adjustments.
It's that whole SSA stuff:
Just finished reading the "YogaNerd" blog. Good stuff -- a crick in her neck led her to (finally - her words) look at the whole picture and notice that her right side body was collapsing. So, the sequences are about lengthening, especially the QL and the psoas. Her crick (unresolved with neck and shoulder work) went away after this lengthening work. (http://www.yoganerd.blogspot.com/)
When we look at a student, it is important to remember Zhenja's experience -- that, for example, the sore shoulder may be related to something not actually in the shoulder. I had a young man come in to renew an ad, and - after we finished that business - he asked me a question about his shoulder. So, remove the suit coat, have him stand normally as I walked around him getting a good view of the TOTAL; ask some questions about activity, work, etc. In looking at him, I noticed his right shoulder was lower than his left. He didn't believe me, so we went to the mirrors (people criticize a yoga studio with mirrors - but they do come in handy at times). He could see the drop - proof positive.
Our tendency at this point is to instruct shoulder loop, and maybe not think about the affect the right side body is having on that shoulder's tendency to drop.
So, we did a bit of shoulder loop work -- especially, since his posture was starting to go 'south'. Then we talked about the side body, and even the legs - how keeping his feet parallel will seat the hips and allow for greater support of the side body lengthening as he stands. He is in great shape, but his work creates an environment where it's easy to slouch. Lucky for him, posture is an important factor in his mind -- so, I think he's still remembering our work.
If we've done a therapy training, we are so full of good and helpful knowledge that we sometimes try to fix the issue without studying the entire person and asking some questions first. One thing you will notice about John (or whoever you are studying with) in these trainings, is that once he hears a student's story of injury or pain, he asks more questions and he observes. Then, and only then, will he start to make suggestions/changes/adjustments.
It's that whole SSA stuff:
- S - SENSITIVITY -- look at the student, ask questions, approach them with a caring, inquisitive, helpful attitude.
- S - STABILIZE -- once we determine what might be causing the discomfort, we stabilize that part of the body with a firm, yet compassionate, hand.
- A - ADJUST -- only after we have used our sensitivity to determine the probable cause of a student's discomfort, stabilized the portion of the body we suspect is the issue, THEN we do the adjustment.
If you rush in and adjust first, you should spell it backwards, and - as John says - you may become this instead of the teacher that makes the student's life more comfortable.
Enjoy your weekend -- I've got a housesitter for the critters, so we are going to San Diego for Easter with Jack (pictured above) and his brother, Brady.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS ...
Just spent the first 45 minutes of my morning trying to figure out how to get the ® symbol into this blog. But, I figured it out and now I can write the many next installments of this blog using ® and ™ where correct and appropriate.
After reading and signing my Anusara-Inspired™ contract and studying the new website, it becomes apparent that the use of these symbols - just like how we name our classes and label ourselves in the Anusara® world - is of importance to John and Anusara®. Therefore, it's up to each of us - as teachers, students, studio owners - to honor that. (Remember, one of the qualities of a good yoga teacher is to remember and honor our teachers.)
Hate to go on a pet peeve discussion this early in the morning, but so long as I'm on the topic - here it is. As an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I have signed a contract with Anusara® to list classes on my teaching schedule as Anusara-Inspired™ not Anusara®. Because I'm a born & bred 'play by the rules' kind of woman, I adhere to that for myself and my instructors.
It troubles me that some studios feel they can push the envelope, labeling classes as Anusara® when they are being taught by an Inspired instructor. That creates a situation where the studio owner is placing the instructor in jeopardy of losing their license with Anusara®, not to mention the misrepresentation of that class to students. (It also doesn't say much about the fortitude of the instructor who allows it to happen.)
(The use of Level I, Level II, etc., is a way of skirting the issue. If you read class descriptions, there is no mention of these classes being taught by Anusara-Inspired™ instructors. They are careful to talk about Anusara® without coming out and calling it an Anusara® class. )
So something 'little' just got 'big'. Breathe, Leslie. You've said it, now let it go.
I can celebrate - tho - I now know how to do something new with my blog that will make me feel better about the way I type it in the future.
Thank you for listening (reading). To any readers who are not teachers (or who don't know me), you've just seen my fiery side. A shock, I know, but it does exist.
Another snowy morning -- will this ever end?
After reading and signing my Anusara-Inspired™ contract and studying the new website, it becomes apparent that the use of these symbols - just like how we name our classes and label ourselves in the Anusara® world - is of importance to John and Anusara®. Therefore, it's up to each of us - as teachers, students, studio owners - to honor that. (Remember, one of the qualities of a good yoga teacher is to remember and honor our teachers.)
Hate to go on a pet peeve discussion this early in the morning, but so long as I'm on the topic - here it is. As an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I have signed a contract with Anusara® to list classes on my teaching schedule as Anusara-Inspired™ not Anusara®. Because I'm a born & bred 'play by the rules' kind of woman, I adhere to that for myself and my instructors.
It troubles me that some studios feel they can push the envelope, labeling classes as Anusara® when they are being taught by an Inspired instructor. That creates a situation where the studio owner is placing the instructor in jeopardy of losing their license with Anusara®, not to mention the misrepresentation of that class to students. (It also doesn't say much about the fortitude of the instructor who allows it to happen.)
(The use of Level I, Level II, etc., is a way of skirting the issue. If you read class descriptions, there is no mention of these classes being taught by Anusara-Inspired™ instructors. They are careful to talk about Anusara® without coming out and calling it an Anusara® class. )
So something 'little' just got 'big'. Breathe, Leslie. You've said it, now let it go.
I can celebrate - tho - I now know how to do something new with my blog that will make me feel better about the way I type it in the future.
Thank you for listening (reading). To any readers who are not teachers (or who don't know me), you've just seen my fiery side. A shock, I know, but it does exist.
Another snowy morning -- will this ever end?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
IT'S OFFICIAL
An e-mail this morning from Wendy Wiltrout, announcing and explaining some of the features of the new Anusara® website.
My 'glitches' are almost solved. Jimmy is being very responsive -- even answering e-mails at 11:30 pm, midnight, whenever. Kudos to Jimmy & others responsible for the new site.
I've asked Jimmy if there is a possibility that Anusara-Inspired™ instructors can have a 'lounge'. Ever since I first noticed the 'lounge' feature and realized that I couldn't get it in, I've wondered what's in there? what secrets does it hold? why can't we go in?
Karen has a framed sign in her studio, Garden Street Yoga. It is very ornate, gilded, and sits in front of a gold curtain. What does it say?
Or something like that. It caused me to chuckle -- it also is how I view entrance to the 'lounge' on the Anusara™ website. I want in! (Another reason to pursue Certification.)
Jimmy's response: Good idea - he and the Anusara™ staff are testing out some new features, and that may be one that gets added.
What a 'boon' that would be. A place for us to ask questions, discuss, communicate; and - importantly - a place for Anusara™ to offer information designated just for the Inspired instructors -- i.e. changes or additions to the reading list, other changes in the curriculum, etc. We would even welcome Certified Instructors to visit -- because they have lots of good stuff to offer.
If you see potential in this idea, let the Anusara™ office know -- in particular Jimmy (you can contact him thru the website).
Blogs are good for campaigning, as well as communicating.
Enjoy your day,
My 'glitches' are almost solved. Jimmy is being very responsive -- even answering e-mails at 11:30 pm, midnight, whenever. Kudos to Jimmy & others responsible for the new site.
I've asked Jimmy if there is a possibility that Anusara-Inspired™ instructors can have a 'lounge'. Ever since I first noticed the 'lounge' feature and realized that I couldn't get it in, I've wondered what's in there? what secrets does it hold? why can't we go in?
Karen has a framed sign in her studio, Garden Street Yoga. It is very ornate, gilded, and sits in front of a gold curtain. What does it say?
"Nobody gets in to see the Wizard. No way. No how."
Or something like that. It caused me to chuckle -- it also is how I view entrance to the 'lounge' on the Anusara™ website. I want in! (Another reason to pursue Certification.)
Jimmy's response: Good idea - he and the Anusara™ staff are testing out some new features, and that may be one that gets added.
What a 'boon' that would be. A place for us to ask questions, discuss, communicate; and - importantly - a place for Anusara™ to offer information designated just for the Inspired instructors -- i.e. changes or additions to the reading list, other changes in the curriculum, etc. We would even welcome Certified Instructors to visit -- because they have lots of good stuff to offer.
If you see potential in this idea, let the Anusara™ office know -- in particular Jimmy (you can contact him thru the website).
Blogs are good for campaigning, as well as communicating.
Enjoy your day,
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